Snowy Range Pass

Thursday, February 24, 2011

We continue to spend time with our new grandchild and adjusting to sitting in one place for an extended period of time. This fixed life has a number of advantages, such as very fast internet, cable TV with Netflix and recording features, which means never watching commercials. These things have been added to my wish list whenever we give up the RV travel lifestyle.

The Naval Live Oaks area of the Gulf Islands national Seashore explores a fascinating part of our naval history. Early in the start of this country, the live oak tree was a vital part of the construction of our navy. These particular trees were the best source of lumber for building war vessels. The newly formed government recognized the importance of these trees and established federal lands to grow and preserve them for national defense. In the early 1800’s, a survey of these lands showed that large portion of the trees had been stolen and the lumber sent overseas, while live oaks not on federal land had been destroyed to develop cotton fields. The government acted quickly to protect this resource by establishing the first tree farm. This was, perhaps, the first recognition of the need for preservation of natural resources.

The visitor’s center has a small display outlining the importance of conservation and protecting our resources. There are also hiking trails and access to the nearby inter-coastal waterway. After a quick stop here, we toured Pensacola Beach to check out the activity on Presidents day weekend and the prelude to the crowds during spring break.

On the home front, needed daily chores including dog washing and admiring Victoria occupy our time.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The eleven days since Victoria was born has pretty much been consumed with helping out the new parents, as they adjust their lives to the new family member. This is by no means a chore, but rather a chance to enjoy this special period. Of course, we are exempt from all the middle of the night efforts of eating, sleeping and other things.

She is doing well and we are all enjoying this experience. Halley has managed to get into the act, as at least as far as the sleeping part goes. In this age of digital cameras, I am afraid to even count the number of pictures that have been taken. I am sure at some point down the road, I will be able to delete some of these, but I will save that for later.

Anneke and I did attend the RV Park Valentine’s day celebration and enjoyed the adult camaraderie for a few hours and even managed to test out the arch that was used on Sunday for those who were going to renew their vows.

This next week will likely be like the last, watching every move Victoria makes.

Monday, February 07, 2011

It has been a hectic but most rewarding few days. After a good checkup at her doctor’s on Thursday, he felt that Heather would deliver our granddaughter on time on the 10th. We awoke Friday morning to a text message from our daughter saying she was experiencing some contractions. So after six hours of watchful waiting, it was time to head to the hospital.

Long story short, our granddaughter, Victoria, arrived safely, healthy and giving her lungs a full out test later that evening.

We have been spending the last several days getting to know her some and helping where we can as the proud parents adjust to their new lives. Of course, we celebrated the birth with the traditional Dutch treat….beschuit met muisjes.

I am sure much of our remaining time here will be taken up with this wonderful new addition to our family.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Our normal mode of operation has us spending reasonably short periods of time in the campgrounds we make our temporary home. As a result, we do not often get involved in most of the activities that take place. Now we find we are taking part in more of the activities of our current park, just because we are here so long. Weekly coffees, exercise classes, and other events have become part of our existence here.

So I have to say to all those who plan on full timing or extended stays and getting involved with the many events that take place in these campgrounds, you can expect to do things that may not come up in your current lifestyle.

Oh, yes, and you can also plan on someone having a camera to record these special moments. In this case, it was a golden oldies party.